Hand Therapy – Distal Phalanx Fracture (Tuft Fracture)

What is a Tuft Fracture?

This finger fracture is a break through the distal phalanx (the bone at the tip of your finger). It is also known as a tuft fracture. These injuries are usually caused by a crush injury.

What are the symptoms?

Most patients will have pain, swelling, bruising and loss of movement. There may also be some numbness and pins and needles caused by injury to the nerves in the tip of the finger at the time of injury. This may take several months to improve.

How will my fracture be treated?

Tuft fractures usually heal well and do not need surgery. The fracture may be treated with a splint for 2 to 3 weeks for protection and pain relief. Healing normally takes about 6 weeks. It is normal for your finger to be tender and swollen for a couple of months after this type of injury. Some people may also find the fingertip is more painful when cold.

Can I use my hand?

You may use your hand as pain allows. It is important to keep the rest of the finger bending to stop it becoming stiff.

Will I need to do any special exercises?

The exercises below should be carried out little and often throughout the day. They are to increase your range of movement in your finger and will reduce the risk of stiffness and loss of function.

Put your wrist and affected finger in a straight line. Use the thumb and index and middle finger of your good hand, to support the knuckle of your injured finger. Then bend and straighten the finger joint nearest your palm.

Repetition: x10 Hold:10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Put your wrist and affected finger in a straight line. Use your thumb, index and middle finger of your good hand, to support the middle joint of your injured finger. Then bend and straighten the end finger joint.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hour

Start with your fingers straight. Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist. Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Start with your fingers straight. Bend your knuckles, keeping the fingers straight. Then bend your middle knuckles so that your finger tips touch your palm. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10 Hold: 10 seconds Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Contact Details

Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions, or if your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable.

Contact details are:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

Telephone: 01429 522471

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

Telephone: 01429 522471

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]